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Definition of line

line

/laɪn/
line

Adverb:linearly
•
Plural:lines
•
Adjective:linear
•
Past Simple:lined
•
Past Participle:lined
•
Present Participle:lining
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line Lexical Profile

line Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A long, narrow mark or band on a surface.

Example

"She used a ruler to draw a perfectly straight line across the page."


2

American A sequence, series, or queue of people or things.

Example

"We waited in a long line at the grocery store checkout."


3

A length of cord, rope, wire, or other material serving a particular purpose.

Example

"He cast his fishing line into the deep water, hoping for a bite."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To stand or be positioned at intervals along a route, boundary, or edge.

Example

"Cheering crowds lined the streets to watch the championship parade pass by."


2

To cover the inner surface of a garment, container, or other object with a layer of material.

Example

"The tailor decided to line the winter coat with thick fleece for extra warmth."


3

To mark or cover a surface with lines.

Example

"Age and years of harsh weather had deeply lined the old sailor's face."

Synonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

In American English, 'line' is commonly used to describe a sequence of people waiting (e.g., 'standing in line'), whereas British English typically uses the word 'queue'.

• Rhymes for line

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'līne' (cable, rope) and Old French 'ligne' (a line, thread), both ultimately deriving from Latin 'linea' meaning a linen thread or string, from 'linum' (flax).

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Line. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/line
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